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Policies and Procedures

Policy 8.6 Animals in the Setting

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Policy statement

Children learn about the natural world, its animals and other living creatures, as part of the Learning and Development Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This may include contact with animals, or other living creatures, either in the setting or on visits. We aim to ensure that this is in accordance with sensible hygiene and safety controls.

 

Procedures

 

Animals in the setting as pets

  • We carry out a risk assessment with a knowledgeable person accounting for any hygiene or safety risks posed by the animal or creature.

  • We provide suitable housing for the animal or creature and ensure this is cleaned out regularly and is kept safely.

  • Our staff are knowledgeable of the pet’s welfare and dietary needs and ensure that the correct food is offered, at the right times.

  • We make arrangements for weekend and holiday care for the animal or creature.

  • We register with the local vet and take out appropriate pet care health insurance.

  • We make sure all vaccinations and other regular health measures, such as de-worming, are up-to-date and recorded.

  • We teach children the correct handling and care of the animal or creature and supervise them at all times.

  • We ensure that children wash their hands after handling the animal or creature and do not have contact with animal soil or soiled bedding without wearing gloves.

  • We all wear disposable gloves when cleaning housing or handling soiled bedding.

  • If animals or creatures are brought in by visitors to show the children, they are the responsibility of their owner.

  • The owner carries out a risk assessment, detailing how the animal or creature is to be handled and how any safety or hygiene issues will be addressed.

  • Outdoor footwear worn to visit our bigger animals should not be worn indoors.

  • We advise staff, students, parents and volunteers who are, or may be, pregnant to avoid close contact with lambing ewes as there maybe a low risk of infection.

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Legal framework 

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
     

Further guidance 

  • Health and Safety Regulation…A Short Guide (HSE 2003)
     

This policy was initially adopted by The Learning Meadow in October 2018 and is reviewed annually 

Dawn Pirie (Owner/Manager)

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